Relief valve

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose a relief valve which is particularly suited for high pressure use. The disclosed valve includes a housing with a longitudinal inlet passage and a laterally extending discharge passage. The inlet passage is counterbored to a larger diameter inwardly of one end to a point slightly past the intersection of the outlet passage. The shoulder formed at the end of the counterbore defines a seat which cooperates with a cylindrical valve member slidingly received in the counterbore. The end of the valve which engages the seat is conical and the other end has a reduced diameter portion which serves as a guide stem. A guide member slidably receives the guide stem and is adjustably connected to the housing. A compression spring is positioned about the guide stem between the valve member and the underside of the guide member. In the embodiment shown, the guide member is connected to the housing by a bonnet nut so that by adjusting the bonnet nut, the spring pressure can be varied to vary the valve setting.

Unite States atet Bede et al. an. E2, 1974 RELIEF VALVE [76] lnventors:Allin-ed Bede, 7225 Spanghurst Dr., Pnmary Exammerwllham R Clme WaltonHills, Ohio 44146; Edward Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fay, Sharpe and Beck,1384 S. Taylor St., Cleveland Mulholland Heights, Ohio 441 18 22 Filed:Aug. 25, 1972 1 ABS [21] Appl. No.: 283,969

Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 153,904, June 15,1971, abandoned.

US. Cl 137/536, 137/543.13, 251/368 llnt. Cl. F1l6lc 15/06 Field ofSearch 137/540, 542, 543.13, 535,

The specification and drawings disclose a relief valve which isparticularly suited for high pressure use. The disclosed valve includesa housing with a longitudinal inlet passage and a laterally extendingdischarge passage. The inlet passage is counterbored to a largerdiameter inwardly of one end to a point slightly past the intersectionof the outlet passage. The shoulder formed at the end of the counterboredefines a seat which cooperates with -a cylindrical valve memberslidingly received in the counterbore. The end of the valve whichengages the seat is conical and the other end has a reduced diameterportion which serves as a guide stem. A guide member slidably receivesthe guide stem and is adjustably connected to the housing.

A compression spring is positioned about the guide stem between thevalve member and the underside of the guide member. In the embodimentshown, the guide member is connected to the housing by a bonnet nut sothat by adjusting the bonnet nut, the spring pressure can be varied tovary the valve setting.

8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 76 74 so s4 3 5o 2o 32 RELIEF VALVE Thesubject application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 153,904,filed June I5, 1971, and now abandoned.

The subject invention is directed toward the valve art and, moreparticularly, to an improved relief valve.

The invention is especially suited for small, high pressure reliefvalves and will be described with particular reference thereto; however,as will be apparent, the invention can be embodied in relief valves ofmany sizes or pressure ranges.

The invention has for its primary object the provision of an extremelysimple and highly reliable relief valve which can be easily adjusted todesired opening pressures. The valve is arranged so that the controlspring can be readily changed for large changes in operating pressure,or, the compression of the spring can be adjusted for smaller changes.The internal assembly of the valve is such that the control spring isnever contacted by the fluid within the valve. Further, all of the guideand adjusting surfaces are sealed from the controlled fluid.

In particular, the invention contemplates a relief valve including ahousing having a first passage formed longitudinally therethrough. Asecond passage extends laterally into the housing into flow relationshipwith the first passage. The first passage is counterbored to a largerdiameter inwardly from one end to a point slightly past the intersectionof the second passage. The juncture between the counterbored portion andthe remainder of the passageway defines an annular shoulder which servesas a seat. Slidably carried within the counterbored portion of the firstpassage is a valve member having a cylindrical body closely received inthe counterbore. The end of the body facing the annular shoulder has aportion adapted to sealingly engage the seat. At the opposite end of thebody and concentric therewith is a reduced diameter portion including aguide stem. A guide member having a portion which slidably receives theguide stem is adjustably connected to the housing. Positioned betweenthe cylindrical body and the guide member and surrounding the guide stemis a compression spring which maintains the cylindrical body continuallybiased toward the shoulder. Preferably, the guide member is connected tothe housing by a bonnet nut which is threadedly attached to the housing.Thus, by adjusting the bonnet nut, the spring pressure can be varied-toadjust the valve setting. Alternately, the bonnet nut can be removed anda different strength spring rapidly installed.

A more limited aspect of the invention contemplates that the portion ofthe cylindrical body which engages the shoulder is conical and that aseal ring is carried about the cylindrical body at a location spacedfrom the lateral passage. Preferably, the conical end has a lengthgreater than the distance between the shoulder and the lateral passage.The lateral passage is thus completely open at all times so that fullexhaust flow can take place with only a slight opening of the valve.

The invention also contemplates that the stem guide will preferably befreely rotatable in the bonnet nut. This allows the bonnet nut to beadjusted on the housing for pressure setting variation without rotatingthe valve member against the seat. Thus, the seat and valve cannot bescored during adjustment or while the valve is in use.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of asimple, relief valve which is suitable for high pressure use and whichis easily adjusted for varying pressure ranges.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a relief valveassembly which requires a minimum number of components and is highlyreliable.

-A still further object of the invention is the provision of a reliefvalve which can be easily adjusted without possibility of damage to thevalve element or the seat.

A still further object is the provision of a valve of the type describedwhich can be easily manufactured in a variety of sizes and pressureranges.

The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but showingthe components in a disassembled relationship; and,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the valve and stem guide portions of theassembly.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the preferredembodiment of the invention comprises a housing 10 having a generallycylindrical longitudinal portion 12 and a laterally extendingcylindrical portion 14. The housing can be formed from any suitablematerial capable of withstanding the pressures and the particular typeof fluid which is to be handled. Further, the housing can be formed froma forging, bar stock, or the like.

Extending axially through the longitudinal housing portion 12 is apassageway 16 which includes a first flow passage 18 and an enlargedcounterbored passage 20. A shoulder 22 formed at the juncture betweenpassages 118 and 20 defines a valve seat 22. It should be appreciatedthat the seat 22 is shown merely as a rounded edge on the metal at thejuncture between the two passages; however, various types of resilientinserts or the like could be used for the seat if desired.

The outer end of passage 18 is shown formed with a tapered mouth 24 and.a tapered end 25 which are adapted to receive the end of a fluid pipeand swage rings. The outer periphery of the lower end portion of thehousing section 12 is threaded as shown at 26 to receive a coupling nutor the like. Other types of connecting arrangements such as flangescould be provided on the end of section 12 for attachment of thenecessary fluid lines. I

The laterally extending section 14 is provided with an axially locatedflow passage 28 which extends inwardly into the lower end of thecounterbored passage 20. The outer end of passage 28 is provided with atapered mouth 3t and a tapered end 32 which allow a discharge line to beconnected to the outlet of the valve with relatively standard swage-typefittings. Note that the outer circumference of the portion 14 isprovided with threads 34.

The portion of the valve thus far described is not of particularimportance and could vary substantially. As previously mentioned, theparticular manner in which the housing is formed and the type ofconnecting assemblies used on the inlet and outlet ends could be changedas desired.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the arrangement of thevalving element and the manner in which the pressure setting can bechanged will now be described. As shown, the valve element comprises agenerally cylindrical center section 42 which has an outer diameter onlyslightly smaller than the diameter of the counterbore 20. Acircumferential groove or recess 44 is formed about portion 42 and anO-ring or the like 46 is received within the groove to provide a slidingseal between the cylindrical portion 42 and the inner wall ofcounterbore 20. Extending downwardly (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3) fromthe cylindrical portion 42 is a conical section 48. Preferably, section48 is of a length and angle such that when the element is in the closedposition shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cylindrical section 42 does notextend over the inner end of passage 28. In the embodiment underconsideration, the conical section 48 is provided with a coating ofTeflon or the like throughout its lower end for a distance d. Thisprovides a good, non-galling wear and sealing surface for the valvemember. It should be appreciated however, that the particular type ofcoating applied could vary and, in many instances, could be dispensedwith entirely.

Extending axially upward from the top surface of section 42 is asomewhat reduced diameter stem section 50. A smaller guide stern portion52 extends axially upward from the upper end of section 50. it will benoted that a shoulder 54 at the juncture between sections and 52provides a stop for the upper limit of movement of the valve element ina manner subsequently to be described. As can be appreciated, theparticular materials from which the valve member is formed can varydepending upon the service requirements for the valve. However, in thesubject embodiment, the valve housing and the valve member are formedfrom stainless steel.

The valve element is guided for reciprocation in the counterbore 20 by astem guide and coupling nut assembly 56. Assembly 56 includes a stemguide member 58 comprising a cylindrical, downwardly extending guideportion 60 having an internal bore 62 adapted to slidably receive guidestem 52. An enlarged diameter section 64 is formed axially on the upperend of the cylindrical portion 60 and includes an inclined upper wall66. A cylindrical portion 68 extends upwardly from section 64.

The stem guide member 58 is connected to the housing 10 in a mannerwhich permits it to be adjusted in a vertical direction. In theembodiment under consideration, the connection is made by a bonnet nutmember 70 which has an internal opening 72 of a diameter slightlygreater than the outer diameter of section 64 of the stem guide. Thebonnet nut 70 is threaded at 74 and connects with external threads 76formed on the upper end of the longitudinal section 12 of the housing10. The outer surface of the bonnet nut 70 is provided with wrench flatswhich facilitate adjusting.

The inner end of the opening 72 is provided with an inwardly extendingflange 77 having a tapered inner face 76 which engages the tapered wall66 on the stem guide 58. Preferably, the wall 76 and the face 66 arerelatively smooth so that they allow free rotation to take place betweenthe stem guide and the bonnet nut. The inner diameter 78 of the flange74 is preferably sized so as to closely receive the section 68 of thestem guide.

As shown, a compression spring 80 is positioned between the enlargedportion 641 of the stem guide and the cylindrical portion 42 of thevalve member 40. The spring has an outer diameter slightly less than thediameter of counterbore 20 so that it is freely movable within the bore24). Similarly, the inner diameter of the spring 80 is only slightlygreater than the section 50 of the valve stem and section 60 of the stemguide.

The pressure relief setting for the valve can be adjusted by varying thestrength of the spring 80. Because of the arrangement of the bonnet nutand the stem guide, access to the spring can be easily had for changingor the like. Alternately, the pressure relief setting of the valve canbe varied by adjusting the position of the bonnet nut 74 to vary thecompression on spring 80. To lock the bonnet nut in an adjustedposition, there is provided a lock nut 84 which is merely tightenedagainst the lower edge of the bonnet nut 74. Releasing the lock nutallows the bonnet nut to be adjusted to substantially any desiredsetting within the spring capacity.

One feature of the assembly which should be noted is that the guidestem, the stem guide and the spring are completely isolated from thefluid passing through the valve. Additionally, they are located andmounted for easy access for changing or the like.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enableone of ordinary skill in the valve art to make and use the same.Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodimentwill occur to others upon a reading and understanding of thespecification and it is our intention to include all such modificationsand alterations as part of our invention insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A relief valve comprising:

a housing having a first passage formed longitudinally therethrough anda second passage extending laterally into the housing into flowrelationship with the first passage, said first passage beingcounterbored to a larger diameter inwardly from one end to a pointslightly past the intersection of the second passage to define aninternal valve chamber, a juncture between the counterbored portion andthe remainder of the first passage defining an annular shoulder whichserves as a valve seat;

valve member slidably carried within the counterbored portion of thefirst passage and having a cylindrical body closely received in thecounterbore and having a circumferential groove which carries a sealring, the end of the body facing said annular shoulder having a portionadapted to sealingly engage the seat,the opposite end of said bodyhaving a reduced diameter portion concentric with the body and includinga guide stem;

guide member including a bore which slidably receives the guide stempositioned over the counterbored end of said passage, said guide stemhaving an end portion terminating within said guide member and enclosedthereby;

compression spring positioned between the cylindrical body and the guidemember and surrounding the guide stem for maintaining the cylindricalbody continually biased toward the shoulder; and, bonnet nut memberrotatably receiving the guide member and threadedly connected to saidhousing whereby adjustment of the bonnet nut member varies thecompression on said spring.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said seal ring is carriedat a location spaced from said lateral passage when said valve member isin engagement with said seat.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide member isfreely rotatable within said bonnet nut and wherein said guide stem isfreely rotatable in the bore in said guide member.

4. The valve as defined in claim 3 wherein said guide member includes atapered shoulder which engages a corresponding tapered shoulder in saidbonnet nut.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein means are provided forlocking said bonnet nut in a desired position on said housing.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said guide memberincludes a portion which extends outward through said bonnet nut.

7. The valve as defined in claim 1 wherein the lower end of saidcylindrical body includes a conically shaped tip adapted to engage saidseat, said tip having a coating of resilient material on the endthereof.

8. A relief valve comprising:

a housing having a first passage formed longitudinally therethrough anda second passage extending laterally into the housing into flowrelationship with the first passage, said first passage extending pastthe intersection of the second passage to define an intemal valvechamber, a seat in said valve chamber;

valve member slidably carried within the counterbored portion of thefirst passage and having a cylindrical body closely received in thecounterbore and having a circumferential groove which carries a sealring, the end of the body facing said annular shoulder having a portionadapted to'sealingly engage the seat, the opposite end of said bodyhaving a reduced diameter portion concentric with the body and includinga guide stem;

guide member including a bore which slidably receives the guide stempositioned over the counterbored end of said passage, said guide stemhaving an end portion terminating within said guide member and enclosedthereby;

compression spring positioned between the cylindrical body and the guidemember and surrounding the guide stem for maintaining the cylindricalbody continually biased toward the shoulder; and, bonnet nut memberrotatably receiving the guide member and threadedly connected to saidhousing whereby adjustment of the bonnet nut member varies thecompression on said spring.

1. A relief valve comprising: a housing having a first passage formedlongitudinally therethrough and a second passage extending laterallyinto the housing into flow relationship with the first passage, saidfirst passage being counterbored to a larger diameter inwardly from oneend to a point slightly past the intersection of the second passage todefine an internal valve chamber, a juncture between the counterboredportion and the remainder of the first passage defining an annularshoulder which serves as a valve seat; a valve member slidably carriedwithin the counterbored portion of the first passage and having acylindrical body closely received in the counterbore and having acircumferential groove which carries a seal ring, the end of the bodyfacing said annular shoulder having a portion adapted to sealinglyengage the seat, the opposite end of said body having a reduced diameterportion concentric with the body and including a guide stem; a guidemember including a bore which slidably receives the guide stempositioned over the counterbored end of said passage, said guide stemhaving an end portion terminating within said guide member and enclosedthereby; a compression spring positioned between the cylindrical bodyand the guide member and surrounding the guide stem for maintaining thecylindrical body continually biased toward the shoulder; and, a bonnetnut member rotatably receiving the guide member and threadedly connectedto said housing whereby adjustment of the bonnet nut member varies thecompression on said spring.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1wherein said seal ring is carried at a location spaced from said lateralpassage when said valve member is in engagement with said seat.
 3. Theinvention as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide member is freelyrotatable within said bonnet nut and wherein said guide stem is freelyrotatable in the bore in said guide member.
 4. The valve as defined inclaim 3 wherein said guide member includes a tapered shoulder whichengages a corresponding tapered shoulder in said bonnet nut.
 5. Theinvention as defined in claim 4 wherein means are provided for lockingsaid bonnet nut in a desired position on said housing.
 6. The inventionas defined in claim 5 wherein said guide member includes a portion whichextends outward through said bonnet nut.
 7. The valve as defined inclaim 1 wherein the lower end of said cylindrical body includes aconically shaped tip adapted to engage said seat, said tip having acoating of resilient material on the end thereof.
 8. A relief valvecomprising: a housing having a first passage formed longitudinallytherethrough and a second passage extending laterally into the housinginto flow relationship with the first passage, said first passageextending past the intersection of the second passage to define aninternal valve chamber, a seat in said valve chamber; a valve memberslidably carried within the counterbored portion of the first passageand having a cylindrical body closely received in the counterbore andhaving a circumferential groove which carries a seal ring, the end ofthe body facing said annular shoulder having a portion adapted tosealingly engage the seat, the opposite end of said body having areduced diameter portion concentric with the body and including a guidestem; a guide member including a bore which slidably receives the guidestem positioned over the counterbored end of said passage, said guidestem having an end portion terminating within said guide member andenclosed thereby; a compression spring positioned between thecylindrical body and the guide member and surrounding the guide stem formaintaining the cylindrical body continually biased toward the shoulder;and, a bonnet nut member rotatably receiving the guide member andthreadedly connected to said housing whereby adjustment of the bonnetnut member varies the compression on said spring.